General Anesthesia in a Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Child: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Anesthesia
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited condition causing hemolytic anemia.
• Anesthesia in G6PD-deficient patients requires careful drug selection to avoid triggering hemolysis.
• Methemoglobinemia is a potential risk in G6PD-deficient individuals, necessitating cautious anesthetic choices.

Observation:

• General anesthesia was administered to a 3-year-old boy with G6PD deficiency.
• Propofol and remifentanil were used for maintenance anesthesia, potentially offering antioxidant benefits.
• Mepivacaine was selected as the local anesthetic due to the patient's high risk for methemoglobinemia.

Findings:

• The patient did not experience any hemolytic attacks during or after the general anesthesia procedure.
• No adverse events related to methemoglobinemia were observed.
• The anesthetic management was successful, with the patient recovering well.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the safe use of propofol, remifentanil, and mepivacaine in a pediatric patient with G6PD deficiency.
• The chosen anesthetic agents may mitigate the risk of hemolysis and methemoglobinemia in susceptible patients.
• Careful preoperative planning and drug selection are crucial for successful anesthesia in patients with G6PD deficiency.